19 Clever Mom Hacks to Make Life a Little Easier

Hang an over-the-door shoe holder/organizer in your play room to keep cleaning supplies at eye level. It's a much better option than bins upon bins of disorganized mess. Total Time: 10 minutes to hang and fill up

Total Cost: $15

Until I discovered this trick, my baby's bibs were never in the right place when I needed them. Now I just get him situated in his high chair, reach back, and grab a bib — easy and out-of-sight!

Total Time: One minute

Total Cost: $5

Pretty porcelain jewelry boxes look great displayed on your dresser, but earrings and chains often end up tangled or misplaced. Keep jewelry and other small trinkets neat and tidy in individual ice cube tray compartments. It may not be pretty, but it works!

Total Time: Depends on how organized you are to begin with

Total Cost: $3

Keep everything from skateboards to bikes to helmets off the floor with easy-to-install hooks.

Total Time: A few minutes Total Cost: Around 50 cents each

In my house, salad dressing and condiments always seem to easily get overlooked on the refrigerator door. Using a lazy Susan on one of the fridge's shelves keeps everything at eye level — so smart.

Total Time: Five minutes to organize your condiments

Total Cost: $10

Whip out an old toothbrush and get busy scrubbing old sneakers to give them a new life.

Total Time: 10 minutes or more Total Cost: Around $3

You don't need an elaborate gift wrap room to give yourself organized, easy access to your supplies. Secure a small curtain rod or towel hanger above a desk or countertop for a neat wrapping station.

Total Time: 20 minutes to install the rod

Total Cost: Less than $20

Anything in a jar is all the rage. Give your spice rack an upgrade by upcycling old baby food jars. Who would've thought a modern touch could cost so little? Total Time: One dishwasher cycle Total Cost: $0 (if you already have leftover baby food jars)

Yes, pegboards can be used to keep your kids' stuff in the proper place. But have you tried using one for your own accessories? Less morning necklace-detangling guaranteed. Total Time: 15 minutes to install

Total Cost: $25

This just-for-the-car bag has everything you'd need for an afternoon out with the fam: sunscreen, wipes, diapers, lotion, and bandaids. Total Time: 2 minutes if you already have your supplies Total Cost: Give or take $20 if you need to make a trip to the store

To fit two bowls into the microwave at the same time, simply place one on top of a glass so that it sits higher than the other. How easy is that?

Total Time: Depends on what you're nuking!

Total Cost: Free

Hang clear garment bags in a closet or on the back of a door to cur clutter. Big, super-sturdy bags can fit almost anything no matter how unwieldy. Total Time: 2 minutes

Total Cost: Free if you already have them, a few bucks if you don't

Keep all your cosmetics and makeup brushes organized with an old LEGO tray you have laying around the house. Talk about doing double-duty. Total Time: 2 minutes Total Cost: Free

Simple strawberry solution alert. Get rid of those pesky stems without wasting too much of the fruit by inserting a straw into the bottom of the strawberry and pushing up. The leaves will come off too!

Total Time: 5 to 10 minutes to go through a small basket

Total Cost: Just the cost of the straw

Maximize the storage space in your luggage by rolling clothes instead of folding and stacking them.

Total Time: Depends on how long it takes you to pack!

Total Cost: Free

Upgraded to the latest iPhone? Instead of trying to sell your old one, make your kids' days by converting it into their very own iPod with one easy step. Magic!

Total Time: 5 minutes

Total Cost: Free

If you're at a theme park, beach, or any other public place this Summer, buy yourself piece of mind by snapping a quick photo of your kids before the day begins. This way, in the (extremely unlikely) event that someone gets lost, you'll have an accurate and current visual of what they look like, and what they're wearing.

Total Time: 30 seconds

Total Cost: Free

Extend the life of an inflatable kiddie pool well past Summer by using it as an indoor playpen. Toss a bunch of your baby's toys in there, and buy yourself 10 minutes to vacuum, fold laundry, or make a quick phone call.

Total Time: 5 minutes

Total Cost: Cost of the pool (free-$30)